Transfer Experience

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>I've had my eye on transferring to Cornell for about a year and a half now, and after actually applying for the upcoming spring semester I figured it would be helpful to let everyone know what I've discovered about the process...</p>

<p>In terms of actually being admitted, I'm not there yet, but I think I've found a pretty good forumla for it. According to what I've been told by the person giving my interview and by my friend currently in ILR, these three points will help:</p>

<p>1) You need to be interested in the subject area to warrant a transfer. They're not looking for people who simply want to "go to a school with a better name" with a high GPA. They are looking for individuals who have illustrated how Cornell and only Cornell will help them further their career goals. They also would like to know how you're able to help Cornell. It's a two-way street. Your genuine desire and experience means more than your ECs as well.</p>

<p>2) I've been told on several occasions (once by the director of ILR admissions) that SAT scores for transfer admissions mean VERY little. Therefore, even if you were rejected to Cornell as a freshmen applicant but have proven yourself to be up to Cornell standards in College, you should apply. They use the SAT scores in transfer applications primarily to see if the SAT was a good indicator of how you were going to perform in college. If you massively overperformed your SAT score in college and your HS GPA was comparable to your college GPA, they're going to render the SAT an anamoly.</p>

<p>3) The interview is not that important in terms of your application. It is, however, important when it comes to your actual admissions decision. The interviewer does not work to determine your fitness for the school -- the admissions committee does that. He serves as a "personal essay;" someone who will tell your story to the admissions committee as you've told the story to him. While his opinion of you will matter, it will matter exclusively when he is asked by the Committee to explain something lacking or to clarify. He essentially serves as your lawyer with the committee. </p>

<p>That's it for now.</p>

2

<p>Excellent advice.</p>

3

<p>That is amazing.</p>

4

<p>how can we help cornell? i dont get it... other than being an athlete or top mathlete/chess player?/ etc etc of the likes, i don't understand because most people probably aren't either of the above... right?</p>

5

<p>Like, contributing to clubs and stuff and being like a model student</p>

6

<p>Wow that was articulated incredibly poorly. Whoops</p>

7

<p>I'm applying to the College of Human Ecology as a spring transfer student. In my experience, much like Journey495's, the transfer director was interested in what I was currently involved in. After my first conversation with him we discovered I was missing a prerequisite required to even apply to Cornell. Luckily I was able to change my course schedule (I'm studying in Belize this fall) and called him back the next day. His secretary mentioned that he was impressed with me and hoped he would hear from me again.... </p>

<p>I have not heard from Cornell, but my advice to those seeking admittance as a transfer student would to show that you are REALLY interested in the program. Simply stating it will not be enough.... you need to have experiences, ideas, and the curiosity to back it up.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>